Where Does the Runoff Go?
You might be surprised to learn that all of the water in our gutters and storm drains is diverted directly to the Truckee River. If you live in an older neighborhood, near the river, it’s likely your run-off enters the river with absolutely no filtration.
Fertilizer use is a significant source of pollution causing overgrowth of algae in waterways, which can kill fish and other aquatic life. If grass alone were considered a national crop, it would be the fifth largest in the nation (USDA, 1992). Accordingly, eliminating fertilizer use and runoff from lawns and gardens improves water quality. Fertilizers can also be toxic where they are applied, one must consider their immediate environment, family, and pets.
If you’re concerned or perhaps simply curious about this topic, Heirloom Gardens has the resources to assist you. Some of our environmentally friendly services include:
• Perform soil analysis seasonally to determine actual fertilization needs.
• Design, build and fertilize garden areas with a mulch of leaves, bark, and composted manure and/or garden waste where it is not likely to get carried off into storm drains. Build a compost bin to quickly create compost from kitchen scraps.
• Grass clippings first dehydrate, then decompose, quickly disappearing from view. Sick lawns can be revived with an application of fine compost rather than synthetic fertilizers.
• Grass cycling (mulching): Can eliminate the need for fertilizers. Using specialized equipment, we mulch the clippings back onto the lawn, providing your grass with much of its nitrogen needs. Once cut, grass clippings first dehydrate, then decompose, quickly disappearing from view. Lawns can be revived with an application of fine compost rather than synthetic fertilizer.
• Regular thatching and aeration. This is especially important for water absorption and strong root development
These best practices will almost assuredly lead to a healthy, drought and pest resistant lawn and garden. We can help.
Photo credit: image08263 by Vlad Butsky and downtown Reno by Morgan Holmgren from Flickr via Creative Commons license.